Two former Illini were selected in the NFL draft this weekend.

Cornerback Kelvin Hayden was chosen in the second round by the Indianapolis Colts. Center Duke Preston was picked in the fourth round by the Buffalo Bills.

Hayden, who was the 60th-overall pick, is just the second second-round pick from Illinois in the past five years.

“I am very excited and kind of surprised,” Hayden said. “My agent was saying late second, but I had heard that it would be the third round.”

Hayden tallied 71 tackles and four interceptions for Illinois in only one season at corner.

As a wide receiver in 2003, Hayden led the Illini in receiving yards and receptions. He caught 52 passes for 592 yards and rushed six times for 54 yards. He was moved to defense when former Illini head coach Ron Turner and defensive coordinator Mike Mallory overhauled the Illini defense following the 1-11 season in 2003.

“I wasn’t really thinking about that at the time,” Hayden said of his position change. “I just wanted to do what was best for the team. The success of the team was more important than my personal goals.”

While a shoulder injury hurt his stock in early draft projections, he received a clean bill of health earlier this week.

Preston drafted by Buffalo

Illini center Duke Preston was picked 127th overall.

“There were five or six teams I knew would be real possibilities,” Preston said. “I’ve had about 20 phone calls, talked to six or seven offensive line coaches, so I knew I was going to have a good chance.”

Preston visited Buffalo on April 6 and met with the coaching staff. He said he discussed playing center for the Bills and expects to fill a role on the field early on.

“I should have a really good opportunity to go out there and do my thing,” Preston said. “You don’t see a lot of guys go to play guard, that inside swingman, so I figured that would be me.”

Preston’s biggest weakness during draft projections was his lack of athleticism. However, his work ethic, strength and fundamental skills weighed in his favor.

“The people who know what they’re talking about, who know football, who know me, know what I can do,” Preston said. “My athletic ability, in my mind, should be the least of people’s worries.”

Preston, a three-year starter for the Illini, was home in San Diego for the draft; his dad played nine years with the Chargers.

“I was pretty excited to hear it, just seeing my name on TV,” Preston said. “It’s kind of not real; it takes a while to sink in. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.”

Sinclair signs with Ravens

Illini linebacker Matt Sinclair signed a free agent agreement with the Baltimore Ravens following the draft.

“I think I fit into their 4-3 system and it helps that I played both inside and outside,” Sinclair said.